The 4-H camp program at Peconic Dunes has its roots in traditional overnight camping. The emphasis is on participating in community, developing confidence in oneself, and respecting our social and physical environment. Several of our traditions include morning polar bear dips in the Sound, friends tossing you in the pond on your birthday, and getting your P-Dunes t-shirt signed by all your new friends as you shout out last goodbyes and drive out the camp road back to your homes...
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE TRAIL: Part obstacle course, part boot camp, part yoga; campers race through our backwoods nature trail, hopping across stones, racing up dunes, and crawling through sand. Each session begins with stretching and a warm-up, teaching campers how to prevent sports related injuries.
ARCHERY: Based on the National Association for the Development of Archery, the archery program helps campers develop skills and experience personal growth. Campers learn the safe use of archery equipment, sportsmanship and self-discipline.
CANOEING & KAYAKING: Campers can canoe and kayak on Great Pond, exploring a freshwater ecosystem along the way. Every camper is tested on their boating safety skills when they arrive at camp and receive instruction from trained instructors throughout the week. Based on first day swim tests, non-swimmers and campers who chose not to participate are not eligible for this activity.
ENVIRONMENTAL ARTS & CRAFTS: Campers will construct functional objects or jewelry, such as bracelets, and necklaces, by utilizing found materials like pinecones, feathers, bark, twigs, clay stones and shells. Motivated campers can build environmental sculptures and learn basic principles of digital photography.
EVENING ACTIVITIES: All campers participate in creative, fun-filled evening activities: talent shows, all-cabin skits, games, dances and scavenger hunts. At the end of each session, all campers and staff are invited to participate in the closing campfire.
FISHING: Campers may participate in one of several fishing experiences. They can spincast for pickerel, sunfish, and bass; surfcast on the LI Sound for porgies, bluefish and stripped bass; or go flyfising with homemade flies. Campers will be introduced to fishing ethics, laws and regulations.
LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Peconic Dunes Camp endorses Challenge By Choice. We constantly ask campers to notice the zone they're currently in: "comfort," "challenge", or "freak out". In leadership skills campers learn that when we challenge ourselves we grow, and set even higher goals. This is accomplished through our organic challenge course.
NATURE: The entire Peconic Dunes campus provides for a variety of nature activities where campers can search for salamanders, explore fresh water and saltwater environments, identify wildlife, make birdfeeders, and play games. Programs include walks, fish dissection, scavenger hunts, journaling, and seining.
OPTIONALS: Twice everyday at 11am and 4pm counselors across all disciplines gather to offer a variety of the most popular and original activities for the campers to choose from. Past favorites include music jams, gardening, yoga, theater and whatever these gentleman to the right are found doing.
OUTDOOR SKILLS: Campers will acquire skills essential to enjoying outdoor living experiences, including building a shelter, building a fire, and orienteering. Survival skills and techniques necessary to exist in remote areas or in demanding situations will be covered. Campers explore the natural environment identifying wild edibles and natural material that Native Americans depended on. Outdoor ethics and respect for the natural environment are emphasized.
SWIMMING: All campers are tested for swimming ability and can improve their skills in swimming classes based on the American Red Cross instructional swimming program. Campers who pass the swim test will have daily opportunities for free swim and beach activities on Great Pond and the Long Island Sound.
TEAM SPORTS: Campers have many opportunities to participate in team sports including baseball/softball, basketball, soccer and volleyball. All instruction conincides with the age and skill level of each camper and progresses according to the camper's personal athletic development. Instruction and demonstrations on proper technique and strategy help to improve each camper's skills and understandings or each sport. Teamwork and cooperation are emphasized.
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